Security researchers warn that viral AI prompts represent an emerging cybersecurity threat as self-replicating instructions spread through agent networks. OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant with 770,000 registered agents across 17,000 accounts, demonstrates this vulnerability. Unlike traditional computer worms exploiting software flaws, "prompt worms" exploit AI agents' core function: following instructions. Researchers identified 506 malicious prompt-injection attacks on Moltbook, OpenClaw's social network where agents interact. A misconfigured database recently exposed 1.5 million API tokens and private messages. Currently, OpenAI and Anthropic control kill switches through their APIs, but advancing local AI models may soon eliminate this safeguard. Experts urge immediate action before prompt worm outbreaks become uncontrollable, echoing 1988's Morris worm crisis. (PC: arstechnica)

After over a decade's absence, India's government intensifies efforts to revive Formula 1 at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports targets removing tax burdens and bureaucratic obstacles that caused the Indian Grand Prix's 2013 cancellation. The race ran successfully 2011-2013, with Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing. However, financial disputes arose when authorities classified F1 as entertainment rather than sport, imposing steep entertainment and luxury taxes plus customs duties on racing equipment, devastating promoter Jaypee Sports International's finances after their USD 400 million circuit investment. Despite India's growing automotive culture and aspirational middle class, securing calendar placement amid 24 existing races remains challenging, requiring long-term commitment proof to Formula 1 Management. (PC: Reuters)

Rajasthan Police issued 'leave India' notices to two British tourists, Lewis Gabriel Dee, 36, and Anueshi Emma Christine, 36, for pasting "Free Palestine, Boycott Israel" posters across Pushkar's public areas. The incident, discovered January 21, occurred in locations frequented by Israeli visitors, including near a Chabad House. Additional Superintendent Rajesh Meena confirmed CID investigations revealed the tourists printed nine sheets at a local press, violating tourist visa restrictions prohibiting political activities under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Pushkar attracts 10,000-11,000 Israeli tourists annually, with approximately 2,000 currently visiting. Many Israelis travel to Pushkar, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa post-military service, drawn by affordability and spiritual atmosphere. Both tourists apologized during questioning before receiving deportation orders. (PC: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, making Spain the first European country to implement such comprehensive restrictions. This groundbreaking decision positions Spain as a pioneer in child protection legislation within Europe, addressing growing concerns about social media's impact on young people's mental health, well-being, and development. The ban represents a significant regulatory shift in how European nations approach digital safety for minors. While similar restrictions have been discussed across various countries, Spain's decisive action sets a new precedent for the continent. The move follows global debates about children's online safety, with countries worldwide grappling with balancing digital access against protection from potential harms associated with social media platforms. (PC: BBC)

Two centuries after cricket arrived in Italy, the Azzurri make their ICC World Cup debut against Scotland in Kolkata on Monday. Herbert Kilpin's 1899 Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club spawned football giant AC Milan, but cricket developed slowly. Italy's stunning second-place finish behind Netherlands at July's European qualification, including a shocking 12-run victory over heavily-favored Scotland, secured their T20 World Cup 2026 berth. The 15-player squad mixes home-based players with Australian, South African, and English talent qualifying through Italian heritage. Coach Kevin O'Brien targets Super Eight qualification, drawing parallels to Ireland's 2007 debut. Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage, who moved from Sri Lanka at 15, embodies Italy's cricket journey, balancing his pizza chef job with 700-kilometer round trips for matches. (PC: Reuters)

India achieved a major technological breakthrough on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when DRDO successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off Odisha's coast. This success places India among an elite group of nations possessing this advanced propulsion technology, crucial for developing long-range air-to-air missiles providing tactical advantage. Unlike conventional solid-propellant rockets, ramjets draw oxygen from the atmosphere during flight, eliminating heavy oxidizer requirements. This drastically enhances missile range with higher average speeds while enabling larger payloads. All subsystems including nozzle-less booster, ramjet motor, and fuel flow controller performed as expected. The technology will power the Astra Mk-3 missile with 350-kilometer range capability, strengthening India's indigenous defense capabilities.

The US military shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively” approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, saying the action protected the carrier and its crew. The Iranian Shahed-139 drone was intercepted by a US F-35C fighter jet in self-defence amid heightened US-Iran tensions and ongoing pressure over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran then demanded the venue for upcoming talks be moved to Oman and narrowed to nuclear issues, complicating diplomacy. The incident follows harassment of a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and comes as both sides weigh negotiations vs. confrontation. (PC: HT)

For the third consecutive year, India’s Supreme Court has not upheld any death penalty imposed by lower courts, continuing a trend of rejecting capital punishment confirmations. Instead, the top court acquitted nine death-row prisoners and commuted five others to lesser sentences, reflecting growing judicial reluctance to validate death sentences amid concerns about fair trials and procedural errors. The pattern highlights a shift in how appellate courts scrutinise capital punishment cases, emphasising due process and mitigation before affirming the ultimate penalty. This ongoing trend contributes to debates on death penalty practices within India’s criminal justice system. (PC: The Hindu)

The US Department of Justice has taken down thousands of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents after victims said flawed redactions exposed their identities. The files, part of a congressionally mandated release of millions of records, reportedly included visible names, email addresses, banking details and images that could identify survivors. Lawyers called the disclosure an unprecedented violation of victim privacy, saying nearly 100 survivors were affected, some receiving threats. The DOJ blamed technical or human error, said all flagged documents were removed, and pledged further review and redaction. Survivors criticised the handling, calling it retraumatising and dangerous. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to strengthen India-US strategic ties, a day after a new trade deal was announced between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. They discussed cooperation on trade, energy, nuclear, defence, technology and critical minerals, including formalising joint efforts in exploration, mining and processing. Both leaders welcomed the tariff reduction deal and agreed on early meetings to advance shared interests. They also reaffirmed commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral collaboration, including through the Quad, to support economic opportunities and energy security. (PC: NDTV)